Florida Republican leader Ileana Garcia has publicly criticized President Trump's immigration enforcement strategy, highlighting growing tension within the party over recent deportation practices. In a strongly worded social media post, the state senator and Latinas for Trump co-founder declared the administration's tactics "unacceptable and inhumane."
According to The Hill, Garcia took aim at what she described as "arbitrary measures" targeting immigrants who are following legal procedures, including those with credible fear claims who are attending their scheduled immigration hearings.
The Republican state senator specifically objected to reports that immigration officials in southern Florida have been making arrests in immigration courts and targeting individuals who are otherwise complying with legal orders. Her rebuke represents a significant break from a prominent Trump ally on one of the president's signature policy initiatives.
Garcia expressed her continued general support for Trump while drawing a clear line regarding current enforcement tactics. Her criticism directly targeted Stephen Miller, the White House homeland security adviser and deputy chief of staff, who has been a driving force behind the administration's immigration policies.
"I understand the importance of deporting criminal aliens, but what we are witnessing are arbitrary measures to hunt down people who are complying with their immigration hearings—in many cases, with credible fear of persecution claims—all driven by a Miller-like desire to satisfy a self-fabricated deportation goal," Garcia wrote on social platform X.
The Florida state senator emphasized her longstanding support for Trump while making it clear she could not back the current approach, declaring, "This is not what we voted for." Her comments reflect growing concerns among some Republicans about the humanitarian impacts of the administration's deportation strategy.
The White House quickly responded to the criticism, defending its policies as both legally sound and politically popular. Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson emphasized that all deportation proceedings include due process protections.
"Any illegal alien who is deported from the United States receives due process, and if they have pending asylum claims they are adjudicated by USCIS prior to any removal," Jackson stated in response to the criticism. The administration appears determined to maintain its aggressive enforcement posture despite the internal party dissent.
Jackson also cited electoral support for the policy, noting that "President Trump was the first Republican Presidential candidate in nearly 40 years to win Miami-Dade county, and polling ahead of the election showed massive support among Hispanic voters for deportations." The administration characterized its actions as fulfilling campaign promises that voters endorsed.
Garcia's comments follow similar concerns expressed by Rep. María Elvira Salazar, another Florida Republican who has been vocal about the administration's immigration enforcement. Salazar described herself as "heartbroken" over recent actions that have "left thousands exposed to deportation."
The congresswoman specifically defended the right to due process for asylum seekers, particularly those fleeing what she described as "the three most brutal regimes in our hemisphere" – Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. She characterized these countries as "sworn enemies of the United States," suggesting the administration's approach could be counterproductive.
Both Garcia and Salazar have indicated they plan to engage directly with administration officials on the issue. Salazar announced upcoming meetings with White House representatives, while Garcia stated firmly that she "will not stand down" in her opposition to the current tactics.
Garcia's criticism appears deeply rooted in her personal background and constituency. As she explained in her statement, her perspective is informed by her heritage and the district she represents.
"As the state senator who represents her district and the daughter of Cuban refugees, who are now just as American, if not more so than Stephen Miller, I am deeply disappointed by these actions," Garcia wrote in her social media post. This personal framing adds emotional weight to her policy objections.
The public break between the Trump administration and prominent Latino Republican supporters in Florida highlights growing tensions over immigration enforcement. While both Garcia and Salazar expressed support for deporting individuals with criminal records, they have drawn a line at targeting those following legal procedures or seeking asylum.
